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When Louis Cartier imagined the first panther décor in 1914, his inspiration was Jeanne Toussaint, or “la panthère”as she was known. His muse was enlightened, refined and sophisticated.

Many Cartier models featuring her namesake feline emblem are available at Josephson Opticians’ locations throughout Toronto. They including a new, sleek aviator shaped sunglass featuring a mirror effect on the lenses flashed with yellow gold. The eyes and 23 spots on each head are lacquered by hand and precious metals adorn the metal décor.

We invite you to view the full range of Cartier’s luxury eyewear at our York Mills. Humbertown and Flagship locations.

The caption from this Sept. 10, 1980 photo reads: It was fun all round at the Toronto Festival Of Festivals ’50s rock ‘n’ roll party at the Masonic Temple on Yonge St. last night, One of the biggest names to show up at beer and hot dog bash following premiere of the movie Suzanne was actor Jack Lemmon, accompanied by his Canadian co-star in the movie Tribute, Kim Cattrall (left), and Bulgarian actress Irena Maleeva (right). (DOUG GRIFFIN/TORONTO STAR ARCHIVES)

Since its inception in 1976, the “Festival Of Festivals” has grown and evolved into the much revered “Toronto International Film Festival”. Respected cinephile Roger Ebert had suggested our film festival was second only to Cannes in importance and influence internationally. It has also facilitated the screening of Canadian made films and the promotion of local talent over four decades.

For those of you queuing up for a TIFF premiere or just heading out to the grocer, Josephson Opticians offers you two options of glamorous glasses appropriate for either occasion!

Flattering and flirtatious, this new offering from Cartier incorporates the Trinity motif which originated as a ring design in 1924. Three interlocking bands of pink, white and yellow gold adorn the temple of this sophisticated model.

The unique twisted temple is die-stamped under extreme pressure, rather than die cast, to ensure its durability. Precious two-toned gold and palladium finishes overlay the metal alloy base of the frame chassis. This luxurious and alluring piece is evocative of old Hollywood glamour and the timeless elegance associated with the MaisonCartier.

Worthy of equal consideration, this model from Anne et Valentin’sCinemaScope collection subverts the equation of glamour with glitz. Featuring bezeled surfaces of contrasting matte and gloss surfaces, this interpretation of glamour is contemporary and free of cliché.

Josephson Opticians offers you these glamorous options and more at our locations throughout Toronto.

During the hours of reduced light throughout our bleak mid-winter, a revolutionary lens treatment now exists which can enhance your visual experience as you revel in the sun’s rays.

Premium brands Cartier and Chrome Hearts now offer sunglass models featuring patented NIR Technology. The goal of diffusing and eliminating reflections within a lens was first pursued in the 1980’s. A prototype was produced in the 1990’s, but until now limitations in fabrication technology restricted production of non-image reflecting lenses.

A revolutionary process reduces internal reflections and sharpens clarity, despite the clouded, opaque appearance of the lens. The technology is enclosed within the lens to protect it from scratching or exposure to harmful environmental conditions.

NIR lenses have oleophobic coatings on the front and back surfaces to resist oil and moisture and to make cleaning easier. The result is a durable lens with outstanding optics and a unique “matted mirror” or satin finish appearance. NIR lenses are made of CR-39 material and block 100% of harmful UV light.

We invite you to experience the exceptional clarity provided by these lenses at Josephson Opticians’ locations featuring Cartier and Chrome Hearts Eyewear.

A new addition to our selection of Cartier frames is a handsome and exceptional sunglass. Crafted from the burl wood of a tree native to the Ambon Island in Indonesia, the temples of this model feature a distinctive tangled vain. The rare grain of the wood is complimented by the smooth champagne gold finish of the C Decor at the hinge.

Amboyna burls yield very peculiar and highly figured wood. The beauty of this highly prized material is most commonly featured in examples of exquisite marquetry.

An alternative to the precious Cartier frame which features a faux burl motif is produced by the French eyewear company Vue dc… The rich red colour and grain-like pattern of this zyl frame are equally exceptional .

The panther is the most recognizable animal motif associated with the venerated house of Cartier. A pattern based on the the cat’s spotted coat was first incorporated as a design element on a wrist watch in 1914.

Jeanne Toussaint c.1920Cartier’s director of fine jewelry from 1933

Due to her elegant and independent nature ‘the Panther ‘ was also the nickname of Jeanne Toussaint, one of the house’s legendary designers . Under her influence the Cartier jewelers were the first to explore femininity through the metaphor of the panther. It’s effigy continues to adorn the houses’ sumptuous jeweler and eyewear.

The most currant appearance of the panther’s head is as a unique decor found on a new collection of sunglasses now in stock at our stores.

Inspired by a famous ring featuring the same chiseled lines, the injection molded head decors feature 23 hand lacquered black spots and green eyes. The meticulously hand polished and assembled metal frame components are each plated in a palladium layer and finished in either gold or platinum. The rectangular and cat eye shaped frames are crafted of tortoiseshell, burgundy and black acetate.